Chapter 2 Why did you choose me?

Chapter 2 Why did you choose me?In the VIP hospital room, Zinnia looked at the man sleeping on the bed. His eyes were closed, and his dazzling presence was subdued as he lay unguarded on the pillow. His flawless face was a perfect blend of youthful charm and mature allure, radiating warmth like a spring breeze. No wonder global magazines called him "a god sent to earth."

Even in her past life, when she was wholly devoted to River, she had heard of his name—Sebastian. He was thehead of the Huo family, the leading family in Apex City. Compared to him, River seemed insignificant. In her past life, River tried to expand into Apex City but was repeatedly thwarted by the Huo family, forcing him to stay in Bridgewater City.

Soon, the man opened his eyes, and his natural aura of authority enveloped her, drawing Zinnia's attention. Sebastian's deep gaze fell on her face, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Is it you?" His voice was deep and magnetic, rich and pleasing to the ear.

"You know me?" Zinnia was slightly surprised. Sebastian looked awaywithout answering. It seemed she didn't remember. Zinnia paused for a moment, finding an answer for herself. In her past life, Cecilia's tactics had filled the internet with negative news about her. With the internet being so advanced, it wasn't surprising that Sebastian knew about her. Well, at least she didn't have to introduce herself.

Zinnia lowered her eyes and skillfully removed the silver needle from his arm. "You were unconscious, and I saved you."

Sebastian was momentarily stunned, quietly sensing that the violent storm within him had indeed calmedsignificantly. He looked at Zinnia again, sincerely thanking her, "Thank you for saving me. I..."

"How do you plan to repay me for saving your life?" Zinnia interrupted him calmly, a hint of awkwardness flashing across her face. It was her first time trying to extort someone.

Sebastian paused, his expression complex. "You're talking about a life-saving debt?"

His beautiful eyes held a trace of disbelief, barely noticeable. Zinnia found his attitude strange and asked, "Haven't you heard that a life-savingdebt should be repaid generously? Are you trying to back out, Mr. Huo?"

"The one backing out is you."

"Me... backing out?" Zinnia was puzzled, then saw the man wearing a business negotiation expression, his tone much cooler. "Name your terms."

"Five hundred million," Zinnia stated bluntly. River was a vengeful person, and now that the Shaw family was already a force in Bridgewater City...

A powerful family. She needed to break free and seek revenge, which required money—a lot of it."For the life of a billionaire CEO, my price isn't high," she said.

"Five hundred million..." Sebastian slowly repeated her words, his brows slightly furrowed. So, saving him was just about money.

"If you wanted to make a high demand, you should have done it before saving me. That way, you'd have leverage," he pointed out.

"Leverage? I don't stoop to such schemes," Zinnia replied, her face serious. "I will save your life, and asking for your gratitude is because I have urgent needs. If the CEO of the HuoFamily only offers a verbal thank you, there's nothing I can do."

In the past, she never expected anything in return for saving someone. But this time, reborn with nothing but a bad hand, she had no other path.

Seeing him silent, Zinnia shook her head, unwilling to waste more words. She picked up a bandage and started wrapping her forehead. Sebastian's illness was peculiar, almost fatal. To save him, she had ignored her own well-being, using up even the rare herbs her mother had left her.

He noticed her drenched andshivering, her face pale, and dark circles under her bright eyes. Sebastian's lips tightened. She had risked herself to save him.

Suddenly, his phone lit up with a voice message from his grandma. He didn't need to listen to know what it was about. More messages popped up, each sixty seconds long, like a relentless reminder.

Glancing at Zinnia's slender, cold figure, he realized he preferred straightforward people over those who pretended to be noble while scheming for his money."Five hundred million, I agree. But you must agree to one condition," he said.

"What condition?" she asked.

"I need a fake fiancée."

A contract marriage? Zinnia's brows furrowed. Trouble!

Just as she was about to refuse, Sebastian continued, "For one month, just to reassure my grandma so she can go abroad for treatment. Don't worry, no marriage certificate, no physical contact, no public announcements, no impact on your reputation, and no trouble for you. It'smore like I'm hiring you to act. I think you need this money urgently. With me, it's the fastest way, with the least cost and greatest gain."

As he spoke the last sentence, he leaned slightly forward, his deep eyes half-closed, studying her with a slight smile, sharp and determined.

No wonder he was the youngest leader of the Huo Family, with a keen insight into people's hearts, almost dispelling all her concerns.

Zinnia's heart stirred slightly. He was right. However, the lessons from being caught between River and Cecilia inher past life were enough!

In this life, she never wanted to get caught up in such a whirlwind again. Sensing her hesitation, Sebastian quickly asked, "Miss Gu, do you have any concerns?"

Zinnia looked up, meeting his inquisitive gaze. "I don't want to beyour emotional shield, nor do I want to get involved in your romantic entanglements."

"I have no romantic history, so there's no need for that," Sebastian replied without a second thought, cutting her off. "This is purely a business partnership, with no personal feelings involved."

Love and marriage are irrational; wise people don't fall in love.

"Fine, business is business. That's exactly what I want," Zinnia nodded, though she had one lingering question. "But why choose me?"A hint of something flashed in Sebastian's eyes as he extended his hand, "Do you agree?"

Zinnia lowered her gaze slightly. Since she agreed to the partnership, there was no need to question his reasons further. She reached out and shook his hand. "To a successful partnership."

As their fingers intertwined, his hand felt large and warm. And there was something... familiar about it?

Sebastian noticed her hand was cold, almost lifeless. What had she been through all these years?Suddenly, the door burst open, and his assistant, Julian, rushed in. "Mr. Huo, are you okay?! You guys..."

Seeing the scene before him, Julian stopped abruptly, eyes wide in shock, his jaw nearly hitting the floor. His supposedly gay boss was actually holding a woman's hand? And not letting go?!

Zinnia glanced at the young man, quickly withdrew her hand, and handed a note to Sebastian. "I should go. Remember our deal." With that, she turned to leave, pausing to instruct Julian as she passed him."He's very weak right now. Give him two doses of the restorative soup and monitor him for 12 hours."

"Yes," Julian replied instinctively to her firm yet soft-spoken command, surprising even himself. Why was he so obedient to her?

"Julian," Sebastian said, rubbing the note in his hand, which contained a phone number and a bank account number. "Look into her background."

"Yes! And the restorative soup?" Julian asked, knowing the boss only took medicine prescribed by Dr. Du."Do as she says."

As Zinnia left the hospital, she hailed a cab. "To Sunset Mansion."

It was the marital home she once shared with River in her past life.

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